Festival Information

Open Roof Festival is a not for profit, outdoor music and film festival providing Toronto with a summer experience like no other, highlighting independent filmmakers and artists from Canada and around the world. The Festival is a fun, unique experience that is more than just a party – it’s an evening of shared experiences. Of Toronto’s music and film scene. Of refreshments. And, of enjoying Toronto’s beautiful summer nights with friends.

Open Roof Festival is an almost entirely volunteer-driven event and all profits raised are put forth in support of Canada’s independent film production and music communities.

Festival FAQs

Depending on how much rain is falling the event may be able to move indoors at 99 Sudbury and run on the same schedule as if it were outside. In the unlikely event that the indoor venue is unavailable, we’ll be sure to let you know. A raincheck will be provided to a future screening. Tickets are non-refundable.

On the day of our events the on-site box office opens at 7:00pm for cash only ticket sales. Food and drink are available at this time. Our musical guest performs at 8:00pm and the film screens around 9:00pm.

Like at most festivals the ticket you purchased to an Open Roof event guarantees you admission up until 15 minutes before the film begins (approximately 8:45pm). After this time we will then release your ticket to sell if there is demand (ie. people waiting in line).

For your $15 you get to see an amazing band play a full set and then watch a fantastic new film with friends! Unfortunately, drinks and food and merch cost extra, but it all goes to support local independent arts and businesses.

The folks who run our venue, 99 Sudbury, will also be coordinating amazing on-site food vendors every week. We have a concession stand serving popcorn, candy, and water and soda pop and Amsterdam Brewery are back serving beer and wine of course.

Age restrictions to our events are determined by the film’s rating, much like a regular cinema. When you arrive at our events our volunteers will give you a wristband, colour coded to allow you to purchase alcohol, or to not, if you’re underage. You can check the film’s page on our site for the rating if you’re unsure.

Your loveable furry four-legged friends are welcome to Open Roof, but they may be asked to leave if they are causing an unruly racket, ruckus or smell. Though this rule applies to all two-legged guests as well. Please remember to check our Twitter feed to make sure the event is being held outside. If we have to move the event indoors due to rain then pets are unfortunately not allowed to attend.

There is minimal street parking in the neighbourhood as well as three small Green P lots within walking distance, located at: 110 Dovercourt Rd., just north of Queen St. W., 1119 Queen St. W. just west of Lisgar St., and 18 Ossington Ave, just north of Queen St. W.. We encourage the use of TTC or bicycle or walking to get to our events.

It’s pretty easy. Most TTC streetcars that run along Queen St. W. will get you close to our site. Get off at the intersection of Queen St. W. and Dovercourt Rd. Our venue, 99 Sudbury, is just one block south of Queen and a block west of Dovercourt.

The venue has a two small bike racks and there are a number of bike lock posts on Queen St W. and by the surrounding condo buildings. Please do not lock your bike to the fence at 55 Sudbury St. (the venue’s neighbour). It is private property and the owner will remove your bike at your expense.

Sorry, but no. I know we have the word ‘roof’ in our name but we’re actually on the ground level.

Tickets

Buying tickets online is the easiest way to purchase your ORF tickets. Click on any of the Buy Tickets links around the website to be directed to our event booking page. If you can not book online you can buy tickets in person (subject to availability) when the event starts.